Hazard App
We’ve switched off the Hazard App
Since 2015, the Hazard App has been available publicly to support communities before, during and after disasters. A key part of this has been the app's ability to issue hazard alerts.
Since then, there have been many changes in New Zealand’s approach to hazard alerting and there are now a range of ways people can stay informed during emergencies.
It’s also important to recognise natural warning signs and act quickly. You shouldn’t wait to get an alert before you act. If you feel your life is in danger, don’t wait for an official warning. Take immediate action.
The Hazard App was switched off at the end of June 2024, as the below tools are supported by the latest technologies, are highly effective, and are available to the public.
Get Ready – stay informed
Emergency mobile alerting is one of the ways people get important information. They are widely used by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) and other authorised agencies.
Find out if your phone can receive Emergency Mobile Alerts
MetService NZ Weather app
The MetService NZ Weather app allows users to receive updates for extreme weather events and extreme fire danger risk in partnership with Fire and Emergency.
GNS Science app GeoNet
The GNS Science app GeoNet provides earthquake alerts.
Switch off of the Hazard App – what you need to know
The Hazard App was switched off on 30 June 2024.
Hazard App users received notifications in June to help them access other services.
- Find out about the range of ways you can stay informed during emergencies.
- Find out if your phone can receive Emergency Mobile Alerts.
Switching off the Hazard App doesn’t change our mandated work in supporting communities when they need it most. We’ll continue this core role through our:
- Disaster Welfare and Support Teams who are on the ground after disasters providing shelter, support, and relief.
- Good and Ready programme which helps build readiness for, and resilience to emergencies and disasters in Aotearoa New Zealand.
- Psychological First Aid courses that help communities be better able to meet emotional and practical needs after distressing events like floods or earthquakes.
Find out more about what we do in emergencies
Thank you to our sponsors and partners
We’re grateful for QBE Insurance support as primary sponsor of the Hazard App over the last two years. QBE continue their Global Disaster Relief and Resilience Partnership with Red Cross.
We’re thankful to the Global Disaster Preparedness Center and QBE Insurance – both of which have generously allowed the Hazard App to be offered free of charge to the New Zealand public.
Global Disaster Preparedness Center information
Throughout the life of the Hazard App, we’ve worked alongside the various alerting agencies that make up the Hazard App working group, and we’re grateful for the expertise, direction, and guidance this consultation group has provided.